Explanation Building

Definition

Explanation building is the process of constructing coherent narratives or logical frameworks that clarify the relationships between variables in research. It helps to identify causal mechanisms, predict outcomes, and understand complex phenomena by integrating evidence and theoretical insights. This approach is particularly valuable when analyzing single cases, allowing researchers to develop a rich understanding of the factors at play.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Explanation building involves synthesizing information from various sources to create a detailed understanding of a specific case.
2. This process is essential in single case studies, where researchers aim to explore unique or exceptional instances that can reveal broader trends.
3. Researchers utilize explanation building to enhance the validity of their findings by connecting empirical evidence with theoretical constructs.
4. The goal of explanation building is not only to describe what happened but also to provide insights into why it happened and what implications it might have.
5. Effective explanation building can lead to the development of new hypotheses and theories based on observations from single case studies.

Review Questions

• How does explanation building enhance the analysis of single case studies?
  • Explanation building enhances the analysis of single case studies by allowing researchers to create detailed narratives that connect various factors and events. This method enables a deeper understanding of the unique circumstances surrounding the case, highlighting causal relationships and contextual influences. By weaving together evidence and theory, researchers can derive meaningful insights that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon being studied.
• In what ways can explanation building contribute to the development of new theories in political research?
  • Explanation building contributes to theory development in political research by providing rich, context-specific insights that can challenge existing theories or suggest new ones. When researchers analyze a single case through this lens, they may uncover patterns or mechanisms previously overlooked, which can inform broader theoretical frameworks. This iterative process allows for refinement and expansion of theoretical concepts based on empirical evidence drawn from the nuances of individual cases.
• Evaluate the role of qualitative analysis in the explanation building process within single case studies.
  • Qualitative analysis plays a crucial role in the explanation building process within single case studies by emphasizing context, meaning, and complexity over quantitative measures. It enables researchers to gather in-depth insights through interviews, observations, and document analysis, facilitating a nuanced understanding of the case's intricacies. This qualitative approach supports explanation building by allowing for detailed exploration of causal mechanisms and relationships, leading to richer interpretations and conclusions that quantitative methods may overlook.

Related terms

Causal Mechanism: The underlying processes that link independent variables to dependent variables, helping to explain how and why certain outcomes occur.

Case Study: An in-depth examination of a specific instance or event that provides valuable insights into broader theoretical concepts or empirical questions.

Qualitative Analysis: A research method focused on understanding social phenomena through non-numeric data, emphasizing context and meaning over statistical measures.